"If it was another club I'd tell you it's impossible, but with Manchester United I don't say that," Mourinho said. "The reasons are because of the potential of the team, what the club represents and the culture of the club.

"It's not a club in panic. It's not a club where you feel the end of the world is arriving.

"They are calm, they go the same way and support the manager. Nobody touches the manager.

"They have a project. If they don't win this season they believe they will win next season.

"It's a very, very stable situation and an example to many others. Because of that they are still a contender.

"They will stick together, they will fight and try to get 12 to 15 points in a row. Yes they are still a contender.